Shows
Ask The Industry PodcastEP132 - Jessica Massart - Senior Lead for dance and theater projects at KickstarterJessica Massart is the Senior Performance Lead for dance and theater projects at Kickstarter (@Kickstarter). Her job is to help artists achieve their crowdfunding goal before and during a campaign and then offer as much aftercare as possible to deliver the rewards to the backers. Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/JessicaMassartiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2 YouTube - https://youtu.be/gfqMEBWLlOo Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12wdMpotKGDpFvShobeaoy If you’ve enjoyed the pod please send me (@thisma...
2020-02-071h 18Ask The Industry PodcastEP131 - Jason Dawson - Freelance Comedy Producer at AvalonJason Dawson (@jason_dawson) is a freelance TV comedy producer primarily based at Avalon. Avalon is one of the biggest and most influential agencies as well as production houses.We talked about how to pitch TV shows, if you can get on an Avalon production if you’re not with Avalon Management, his relationship with the Edinburgh Fringe and more!Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/JasonDawsoniTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2 YouTube - https://youtu.be/gfqMEBWLlOo Spotify - https...
2020-01-241h 51Ask The Industry PodcastEP130 - Martin Walker - former edited at Broadway Baby and Scotsgay.Martin Walker is the former editor and head reviewer at Broadway Baby and Scotsgay. He now makes his living interviewing comedians for his podcast turned radio show “On The Mic” (@onthemicuk)Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/MartinWalkeriTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2 YouTube - Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12wdMpotKGDpFvShobeaoy If you’ve enjoyed the pod please send me (@thismademecool) or Martin a thank you tweet and you can support the pod by…If you’d like...
2020-01-101h 07Ask The Industry PodcastEP129 - Mark Boosey - Founder of the British Comedy Guide.Mark Boosey is the founder of the British Comedy Guide (@BritishComedy) a database of all the comedians, TV sitcoms, industry news and more.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/MarkBooseyiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2 YouTube - https://youtu.be/DO1-7IWp6cASpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12wdMpotKGDpFvShobeaoy Use code ATI when signing up for a BCG Pro account to get £5 off your first years membership. https://www.comedy.co.uk/ProIf you...
2019-12-271h 05Ask The Industry PodcastEP128 - Andrew Doyle - Creator of Titania McGrath and co-writer of Jonathan PieAndrew Doyle (@AndrewDoyle) is a comedian, writer and creator of Titania McGrath (@TitaniaMcGrath). He also co-wrote Jonathan Pie and has a history of making things go viral as well as creating things bigger than himself. Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/AndrewDoyleiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2 YouTube - https://youtu.be/sUMIt-FWoTM Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12wdMpotKGDpFvShobeaoy If you’ve enjoyed the pod please send me (@thismademecool) or Andrew a thank you tweet and you can suppor...
2019-12-131h 12Ask The Industry PodcastEP123 - Jacob Howe-Douglas - Founder of HD ManagementJacob Howe-Douglas (@hdmgt) is the founder of HD Management. A boutique agency that has a focus on film, TV, radio and online content for all of their acts. Jacob has been an agent for more than 12 years building the careers of comedians. Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/HDManagementiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2 YouTube - https://youtu.be/9IhnQXBKgq8Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12wdMpotKGDpFvShobeaoy If you’ve enjoyed the pod please send me (@thismademecool) or Jacob a tha...
2019-07-291h 04
The Audio Time Capsule PodcastEP28 - Rufus HoundWhen this thing gets up to 88 mph, you're gonna see some serious shit...About the guestRufus Hound (@RufusHound) came on the time capsule to talk about going on the longest holiday of his life, how Nick Offerman’s woodwork has impacted his life, optimistic nihilism and his place in modern feminism and more… CommunityDirect link to post - http://simoncaine.co.uk/TATC/RufusHoundiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-audio-time-capsule-podcast/id1303205943 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pr...
2019-07-1945 min
Ask The Industry PodcastEvery Room Becomes a Panic Room When You Overthink Enough - EdFringe 2019Please come to my Edinburgh Fringe show - https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/simon-caine-every-room-becomes-a-panic-room-when-you-overthink-enoughOr please say to a friend "please go to this person's show" as that word-of-mouth recommendation would really help and make a massive different. Thank you for you on going support. xSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/asktheindustry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-1811 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP122 - Jeremy Dyson - The power of failing, asking for help and writing in partnerships.Jeremy Dyson (@dysonjeremy) is an author, musician and screenwriter best known as one of the League of Gentlemen and the co-writer of the horror film Ghost Stories. We talked about how he got his early work, how rejection was actually really good for him and why asking for help is just as important as giving back and helping when you’re in a position to do so. Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/JeremyDyson iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2 YouTube - https://youtu.be/bu2tZxg3...
2019-07-122h 12
The Audio Time Capsule PodcastEP27 - Jay Foreman.I'm sure in 1985 plutonium is in every corner drug store, but in 2019, its a little hard to come by! I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you're stuck here...About the guestMusician, comedian and YouTuber Jay Foreman (@jayforeman) came on the time capsule to ask himself about his online following, how he went full time, the clicking in his foot and more...CommunityDirect link to post - http://simoncaine.co.uk/TATC/JayForemaniTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-audio-time-capsule-podcast/id1303205943
2019-07-0525 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP121 – Griff Rhys Jones – Founder of Talkback and how the “old boys” network began.Griff Rhys Jones is a Welsh comedian, writer, actor and television presenter. In this rare, lengthy and in-depth interview we discussed his origins in the industry, how he made award-winning but not profit making radio adverts which led him into TV and now, in his "retirement" he's taken up stand up and is trying to build himself a live audience.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/GriffRhysJones iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2 YouTube - https://youtu.be/SM0SNLZG0_o Spotify - https...
2019-06-212h 34Ask The Industry PodcastEdinburgh Fringe 2019 plug (and BIG announcements...)Come see me in Edinburgh - https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/simon-caine-every-room-becomes-a-panic-room-when-you-overthink-enoughJoin the Facebook group to hear the Edinburgh live pods - https://www.facebook.com/groups/AskTheIndustryPodcast/ Give me an iTunes review - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937Our 2nd meet and greet ticket link - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festival-circuit-day-vol-2-angel-comedy-and-ask-the-industry-podcast-tickets-63479664385?fbclid=IwAR0POi_KbrdgyoNYjTAi9t_RkcBMZY9In4_kPEBnEKJdS8usrcmMZtNcoYAAnd Facebook event (to stay up to date with the latest guests) - https://www.facebook.com/events/859618474407066/Support this show ht...
2019-06-2004 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP120 – Simon Munnery – character comedy and the value of DIY propsSimon Munnery (@SIMONMUNNERY) is a comedian best known for his characters "Alan Parker: Urban Warrior" and "The League Against Tedium".He has an experimental style of comedy both in performing and the language he uses, he's known for his makeshift and elaborate props.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/SimonMunneryiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2YouTube - https://youtu.be/9CV9a0aEBxESpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12wdMpotKGDpFvShobeaoyIf you’d like to support th...
2019-06-071h 46Ask The Industry PodcastEP119 - What does Equity offer professional comedy performers?Michael Day is the London Variety Organiser and Louise Grainger is in charge of Marketing, Events and Training at Equity (@EquityUK). I got them on to talk about why a performers union is important to comedians, their role in the #MeToo movement and the future improvements they want to make to better serve the comedy industry and more!Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/EquityiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2YouTube - https://youtu.be/i1qCIr98-TESpotify - https://open.spotify.c...
2019-05-171h 15Ask The Industry PodcastEP118 - Seán Morley - The Glang Show and Intelligent AbsurdismSeán Morley (@seanmorl) is a comedian, intelligent surrealist and comedy club promoter. He’s the inventor of the Glang Show and built up a chunk Sheffield Comedy Scene (almost) single-handedly.We talked about running comedy nights and building an audience for them on your reputation. Founding a show that is anti-Gongs and why it is important as well as developing your comedic persona and waiting for a bit longer than you might normally want to before approaching agents / industry.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/SeanMorleyiTunes - https://itu...
2019-05-031h 27Ask The Industry PodcastEP117 - James Ross - How to build a cult comedy night | Quantum LeopardJames Ross (@jamesrosscomedy) is a comedian, writer, improviser and founder of the cult comedy club Quantum Leopard Comedy. The Club recently won the Chortle award for “best comedy night in London” even though, it does very little advertising beyond its own mailing list and only runs once a month.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/JamesRossiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2YouTube - https://youtu.be/7EMfihIT_wMSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12wdMpotKGDpFvShobeaoyIf you’d like to sup...
2019-04-191h 38Ask The Industry PodcastEP116 - Steve Kaplan - The Comic Hero's Journey.Steve Kaplan (@skcomedy) is one of the industry's most respected experts on comedy. He's consulted on projects with DreamWorks, Disney, Aardman Animation, HBO and more as well as directed shows which have won Emmy's Academy Awards, Golden Globes and more! He’s written two books, the most recent is the Comic Hero’s Journey.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/SteveKaplaniTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2YouTube - https://youtu.be/a9diPK8mxaUSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12wdMpotKGDpFvShobeaoy
2019-04-051h 05Ask The Industry PodcastEP115 - Binty from Hot Water Comedy in Liverpool.Binty Blair (@TheBinty) is the co-owner and founder of Hot Water Comedy club (@HWCCLiverpool) in Liverpool. Along with his brother Paul (who is not in the podcast) they started the club back in 2010. Since then it has opened new venues and developed a reputation nationally as one of the best places to gig and one of the best places to watch comedy.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/HotWaterComedyiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2YouTube - https://youtu.be/fHWcH1PXnUQSpotify...
2019-03-151h 13
The Audio Time Capsule PodcastEP26 - Amanda Palmer.Is there a problem with Earth's gravitational pull in the future? Why is everything so heavy?About the guestSinger, songwriter, musician, author, and performance artist Amanda Palmer came on to discuss self-care, the new album, her long-distance marriage, why ice baths have changed her life and how her miscarriage made her a stronger human.CommunityDirect link to post - http://simoncaine.co.uk/TATC/AmandaPalmeriTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-audio-time-capsule-podcast/id1303205943 Facebook - https://www...
2019-03-0736 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP114 - Jo Caulfield - Advice on smashing the Edinburgh Fringe.Jo Caulfield (@Jo_Caulfield) is a comedian, writer and blogger who started her career as the writer for Graham Norton while running her open mic night between waitressing shifts. I got her on to talk about developing a relationship with your audience, what she likes and hates about TV panel shows, her relationship with the Edinburgh Fringe and more.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/JoCaulfieldiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2YouTube - https://youtu.be/6vt5YYQDuzUSpotify - https://open.spotify...
2019-03-011h 38Ask The Industry PodcastEP113 - Arthur Smith - Alternative comedy in the 21st centuryArthur Smith (@ArfurSmith) is an alternative comedy, the Mayor of Balham and writer who has been performing in the UK since the late 1970s.We talked about how his relationship with the Edinburgh Fringe, what drives him, how he writers shows and advice on creating show titles that grab people's attention and so much more.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/ArthurSmithiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2YouTube - https://youtu.be/MEbrzwo-QeUSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12...
2019-02-151h 15Ask The Industry PodcastEP112 - Barry Katz - How an agent helps to build your comedy audience in the US.Barry Katz (@BarryKatz) is a talent manager who began work in Boston. After failing to become a comedian he started running clubs and representing household names including Dave Chappelle, Jay Mohr, Anthony Clark, Bill Burr, Wanda Sykes, Nick Swardson, Dane Cook, Tracy Morgan, Frank Caliendo, Darrell Hammond, Whitney Cummings, and Louie CK.We got into how he scouts for talent, what makes star quality in the US and what the future of the industry as in store for acts starting now with the advent of NetFlix and social media!Stream - http://simoncaine...
2019-02-011h 18Ask The Industry PodcastEP111 – Don Casino Entertainment – What does it take to be a cruise ship comedian?Don Casino Entertainment (@doncasinoagency) are one of the big cruise ship entertainment companies based in the US. I got two of the senior scouts on during Edinburgh Fringe to talk about what they're looking for, what it takes to work cruise ships, what you can and can't say and do as well as how comedians deal with dying on stage and having to live with an audience who didn't like what they did and more!Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/DonCasinoiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2
2019-01-181h 01Ask The Industry PodcastEP110 - John Robertson - You awake to find yourself in a Dark Room.John Robertson (@Robbotron) is a comedian, writer and video game creator. We talked about what it was like starting out in Australia and moving to the UK. Touched on his early brushes with comedy competitions including Australia Got Talent where he faked a seizure. His live action comedy video game The Dark Room started life as a YouTube video, then became a sleeper hit at the Edinburgh Fringe and is now a real video game for sale on Steam. We talked about moving the idea into different mediums, developing his persona and style as well as continuing to develop...
2019-01-041h 33Ask The Industry PodcastEP109 - Arthur Matthews - Co-writer of Father Ted.Arthur Mathews is an Irish comedy writer and actor who, often with writing partner Graham Linehan, has either written or contributed to a number of television comedies, such as Father Ted. He's also written for Harry Enfield and Chums, Hippies and The Fast Show.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/ArthurMatthewsiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937YouTube - https://youtu.be/9KxOiYwB_BQSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12wdMpotKGDpFvShobeaoyPlease buy a ticket or three to my Edinburgh Fringe 2019...
2018-12-211h 23Ask The Industry PodcastEP108 - Rob Kemp - A after winning 9 awards with The Elvis DeadRob Kemp (@RobotKemp) is the creator of the show the Elvis Dead (@ReadElvisDead). This show has won or been nominated for over a dozen awards including Leicester Comedy Festival Awards Best Show, Best Musical Show, Best Poster, The Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer and Chortle's best newcomer and music / variety act. After so much success, how has this changed Rob’s career? How is he dealing with the pressure of writing a follow up show? What is the future for the Elvis Dead and more?This is an in-depth look into what it is like to ge...
2018-12-071h 18Ask The Industry PodcastEP107 - Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy - What's it like winning Britain Got Talent?Lee Ridley (@lee_ridley) aka Lost Voice Guy (@lostvoiceguy) is the 2018 winner of Britain's Got Talent. We discussed his choice to do that competition, if he felt like the token disabled act on the show given his inability to speak, was he happy with how he was portrayed and would he recommend the experience to other comedians and so much more.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/LeeRidleyiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937YouTube - https://youtu.be/QOnZEShlaaoPlease buy a ticket or...
2018-11-1633 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP106 - Jon Plowman - How to produce comedy bronze at the BBC.Jon Plowman OBE (@bimpsonbun1) is a television and film producer who has been a Producer at the BBC since 1980. He's worked on such iconic shows including A Bit of Fry and Laurie, Ab Fab, The Vicar of Dibley, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Psychoville, Little Britain and more. We got into the history of comedy at the BBC, how to get your show noticed, what the BBC is currently looking for and how he goes about finding it and so much more. His first book, How To Produce Comedy Bronze, is out now.Stream - http://simoncaine.co...
2018-11-021h 25Ask The Industry PodcastEP104 - Doug Naylor - Writer of Red Dwarf - How to get your sitcom made.Doug Naylor (@DougRDNaylor) is the creator and writer for the TV sitcom Red Dwarf. The show is often described as having a cult following and we got into if he thinks that’s a fair label, how it was bringing back the show after 10 years off the air and why he moved channels from BBC to Dave and more!Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/DougNayloriTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937YouTube - https://youtu.be/bnm4CK5Eyq0Please buy a ticket or...
2018-10-121h 27Ask The Industry PodcastEP103 - Phill JupitusPhill Jupitus (@jupitusphillip) is a comedian, writer, podcaster, radio presenter and TV panel show captain. He rose to fame through the Nevermind The Buzzcocks TV quiz show and we got into why he wouldn’t have done the show if he’d known how the TV industry was going to evolve, we also talked about his connections with the Free and paid fringe festivals and so much more.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/PhillJupitusiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937?mt=2YouTube - https://youtu.be/oqu2...
2018-09-281h 13
Ask The Industry PodcastSimon Caine at the Edinburgh Fringe 2018!Please buy a ticket here (or pass it on to a friend to help me out) - https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/simon-caine-sex-drugs-and-other-things-i-never-doThanks,Si@ThisMadeMeCoolSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/asktheindustry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-07-0902 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP102 - Doug Stanhope - How to avoid all industry and build your own fan base.Doug Stanhope (@DougStanhope) is a comedian, writer and podcaster with nearly 30 years of performing under his belt. After cutting his teeth on the open mic circuit, Doug moved into MCing a “crappy” hotel gig which gave him the taste of being a “comedian with a point of view”. Since then he’s spent his time building his cult-like following and touring with his brash, honest, loud and often controversial style of comedy.I got him on to talk about...-Building his audience from scratch one email at a time (before social media-Why he...
2018-06-041h 09Ask The Industry PodcastComedy 101. With Ben Verth and Simon Caine - What have I learned in the first 100 episodes.Ben Verth (@benverth) is the founder of Monkey Barrel comedy club. A purpose-built venue in the heart of Edinburgh, but above, he's a good friend of mine. In an interesting twist the normal format I invited him on to interview me. That's right, for one episode only we're going to have a little look back over the first 100 episodes in what I am going to call Comedy 101. I got him to talk to me about (he wrote the questions, so this is just some highlights)...-What I’ve learned in the last 100 interviews.
2018-04-061h 44Ask The Industry PodcastEP100 – Jon Mountague – Comedy Commissioning Editor at Sky.Jon Montague (@montiQu) is the head comedy commissioner at Sky TV. He heads up a team of diligent commissioning editors who are tasked with finding and making funny shows to entertain their 11 million subscribers. More recently Jon has also dipped his toe into podcasting and we got into what it's like making high end, high budget TV programs by day and low budget, low tech podcasts by night and how that's given him a new outlook on the internet, content and more.I got him on to talk about...-What makes a hit s...
2018-03-161h 17Ask The Industry PodcastEP99 - John Gordillo - Do comedians need a director?John Gordillo (@johngordillo) is an award-winning script editor/director who has worked with Eddie Izzard, Seann Walsh, Josh Widdicombe, Shappi Khorsandi, Dara Ó Briain, Paul Chowdhry, Michael Mcintyre, Mark Steel and Reginald D Hunter.I got him on to talk about...-What is a director and what do they do for comedy shows?-How does the venue size (arena / theatre) impact his directing?-His excitement and drive to tell stories in any medium and in any format.-His take on the collaborative process-Why “why” you’re doing s...
2018-03-021h 16Ask The Industry PodcastEP97 - Peter Fellows - How to build a mainstream and indie writing career at the same time.Peter is a film writing, actor, producer, director and basically anything that is involved in movie and film making from the script to the post-production to the organising of screenings. We talked about how he got started making films as a child and how the change in technology has enabled him to continue creating his own projects but also work on mainstream TV and films.I got him on to talk about...How he went from making stop-motion with his dads tape camcorder to making content for MTV.The most effective order t...
2018-02-021h 07Ask The Industry PodcastEP96 - Ben Verth and John Miller - Monkey Barrel Comedy - #BarrellBoysBen Verth (@benverth) and John Millar (@JohnMillarComic) are two of the four Barrel boys who founded Monkey Barrel comedy (@barrelcomedy) club. This amazing purpose built venue rose from the ashes of Ben's first club in the Grassmarket known as the Beehive and we get into the future of Scottish comedy, the Edinburgh Fringe and why they were so secretive about the new venture.I got them on to talk about...Why they felt the Edinburgh Fringe needs another comedy venue.What the future of the festival looks like to themWhy the "power" o...
2018-01-191h 26Ask The Industry PodcastEP95 - Maureen Younger - What is it like running an all-female comedy club?Maureen Younger (@maureenyounger) is a veteran comedian and promoter who runs MY Comedy. A series of all female comedy nights which run for profit and charity. I got her on to talk about...What was the circuit line 12 years ago for misogyny.Are all female line ups still needed?Does a female act from TV sell more tickets than a man?Her thoughts on quotasWhat still needs to changeAND MOREStream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/MaureennYoungeriTunes - https://itunes.ap...
2018-01-051h 14Ask The Industry PodcastEP94 - Mark Talbot - Head of Comedy Development | Hat Trick ProductionsMark Talbot is the Head of Comedy Development at Hat Trick Productions. Hat Trick was one of the original TV development indie's back in the late 80s and 1990s and has produced amazing shows including The Armstrong and Miller Show, The Kumars at No. 42, Father Ted, Game On, Fonejacker and more.I got him on to talk about...What are the doing to give chances to new writers / writers from underrepresented backgrounds.How they keep track of consumer tastes to avoid offence.What he thinks of quotas and how they impact his wo...
2017-12-151h 11Ask The Industry PodcastEP93 - Edinburgh Fringe Live Q&A Panel with 3 Comedy AgentsThis is our 4th live Q&A. It took place at the Edinburgh Fringe 2017 at the Sweets Venue in Grassmarket. Thanks to JD at the venue as well as the whole panel and everyone who came down to attend and ask questions. About the panel - Chris Lander (@christophlander) is an agent at Phil Mcintyre Entertainment. He deals with the new and up-and-coming talent including Nish Kumar, Masud Milas, David Trent and more. Katya Balfour-Lynn (@katyabalfourlyn) is a live booking agent for United Agents. She deals with her clients live dates...
2017-12-011h 33Ask The Industry PodcastEP92 – Mike Leigh – Free digital content and the impact on the careers of artists signed to MLA.Mike Leigh is the founder of MLA Talent. They're not just a talent agency they also produce a lot of free digital media and podcasts creating their own podcast network to share audiences.I got him on to talk about...How does he scout for new talent or online content to develop?Does it help having a following online to get on TV or radio?Why he thinks there’s so few great comedy producers now.Why he thinks acts with big profiles shouldn’t be doing the Free Fringe and who he b...
2017-11-171h 13Ask The Industry PodcastEP91 – Helen Stead – Founder of NCF Comedy – The differences in comedy audiences between places in the midlands.Helen Stead is the director and founder of NCF Comedy which started back in 2009 at the Nottingham Comedy Festival. Since then NCF has grown and had 8 successful comedy festivals and runs shows in Nottingham, Birmingham, Leicester and throughout the midlands all year long.We talked about how you process with NCF, the difference in audiences from place to place in the midlands and why she does no free comedy nights (even her new material one is £1 entry). This is a far cry from London where every open mic or new material night is free.
2017-11-031h 01Ask The Industry PodcastEP89 – Nica Burns – The secrets behind the Edinburgh Fringe Newcomer AwardNica Burns OBE is a London theatre producer and co-owner with her business partner Max Weitzenhoffer of the Nimax Theatres group Beyond owning a lot of influential theatres Nica is best known as the director and producer of the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards since it started in 1984.I got her on the podcast to talk about...-How she didn’t actually found the awards, but did take over them.-Why they started and what they’re used for / about now.-Women in comedy and how the award has helped the...
2017-10-061h 24Ask The Industry PodcastEP88 - Milton Jones - How to make a career as a one-liner comedian.Milton Jones ( @TheMiltonJones ) is a one-liner powerhouse with a strong work ethic and an interesting approach to how he see's his on stage self as a cartoon rather than a comedian or a character. We talked about - Is comedy still a stepping stone to “something else”?His frustrations with getting work commissioned on TV (or the lack of it).Did doing something a bit “different” / weird help him in his early career and has he benefitted from having promoters wanting “variety” How was his mental health while discovering his voice?How does he get useful...
2017-09-151h 22Ask The Industry PodcastEP87 - How to sell a DVD online from Chris Evans, the founder of Go Faster StripeChris Evans ( @gofasterchris ) is the founder of Go Faster Stripe. Go Faster are an independent film production and distribution company that specialise in comedy shows but have recently expanded out to books and CDs as well.We talked about...How do they make money from recording comedy shows?Scratching my own itch in business.How GoFaster continue to operate a DIY comedy DVD company when the DVD market is narrowing.Why he doesn’t like to do more than one take so that the recording is as “real” and “live” as possible....
2017-09-011h 12Ask The Industry PodcastEP86 - Sam Bain - How to write BAFTA winning sitcoms.Sam Bain (@SamBainTV) is a British comedy writer, best known for the Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show and his writing partnership with Jesse Armstrong. Along with writing for sitcoms including Smack the Pony and That Mitchell and Webb Look he has also written the film Magicians and contributed to the film Four Lions.We talked about...Has social media helped people bypass the agent gatekeepers?How did he get his agent and how he and Jesse picked the right one?What’s it like writing as a partnership? And does he prefer writing al...
2017-08-171h 07Ask The Industry PodcastEP85 - Nick Ranceford-Hadley - What’s it like to start your own talent agency?NRH Management (@nickr_h) is the agency of Nick Ranceford-Hadley. Nick has been an agent for twenty five years, most of which at Noel Gay Artists, where he was Managing Director. He has represented many of the great names in the entertainment business from the creators of The Weakest Link to the late Sir David Frost.We talked about...Who works for who?Is it better to approach an agent or wait for them to come to you?What does / doesn’t he do? How he (and his clients) have benefitted by qu...
2017-08-0457 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP84 - Richard Herring - How to build an audience through podcasting.Richard Herring (@Herring1967) is an English stand-up comedian, writer and recognised as a pioneer of comedy podcasting. He daily blogs his life and is known as a massive advocate of free content and building a path for yourself by finding your audience using the internet. We talked about...Moving into the self-funded self-generated content era.How he build a relationship with his audience through podcastingIf he thinks he had a “leg up” on other lesser-known comedians getting into podcasting now.What he would do differently if he started now.How he is dealin...
2017-07-211h 07Ask The Industry PodcastEP83 - Brendon Burns - What’s the difference between joke theft and parallel thinking?Brendon Burns (@brendonburns) is an Australian stand-up comedian and author who is known for his boisterous stage presence and controversial material. We got talking about how he found his audience through podcasting and has continued to grow it through touring new shows and giving away free content online.We talked about...The value of people's time / the connection you make when podcastingHow the downloads go up when his family is on.The heckler at the gig we did together showing he wanted jokes that were more about him.Tapping out of the...
2017-07-071h 22Ask The Industry PodcastEP82 – Dan Berg – The future of online comedy streaming from the founder of Next UpDan Berg (@mrdanielberg) is a writer and comedian from London who founded Fringe Funder (@fringefunder) as a means to help comedians raise the money to do Edinburgh and more recently launched the on-demand streaming NextUp Comedy (@nextupcomedy).We talked about...How he started a project to help the community and help us out.How they’re making a community around the product and building it into the existing live scene.Scratching your own itch and making sure that you love what you’re doing so there’s at least 1 customer for the thing...
2017-06-191h 05Ask The Industry PodcastEP81 - Carl Donnelly - Death, divorce and stand up.Carl Donnelly (@CarlDonnelly) is an English stand-up comedian, podcaster and writer. He has built an audience for his work and is known for being open and honest about his mental health. We talked about...How long did it take him to go full time in comedy?Do you think you were good enough when you went full time and do you know.How does he cope with a bad gig?Did he feel any responsibility when writing jokes about mental health?AND MORE! This po...
2017-06-021h 05Ask The Industry PodcastEP79 - Vladimir McTavish - the secrets behind The StandVladimir McTavish (@vladmctavish) is one of 4 comedians who sits on the board of directors at the world famous Stand comedy club. We talked about building an audience for a comedy club, why the Stand is so highly looked at by comedians as a model for how a club should be run and more. We talked about...The value of unpaid gigs.Balancing being a promoter and a comedian.The secrets behind the comedy club chain The StandAND MORE! This podcast would be great fo...
2017-05-0549 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP78 - Ryan Taylor - Head of comedy at the Pleasance - What makes a “Pleasance act”.Ryan Taylor (@Ryan_Taylor_) is the Head of Comedy at the Pleasance (@ThePleasance) in both London and at the Edinburgh Fringe. He is in charge of gets slots at the venue but more importantly he's passionate about bringing through new talent and building a circuit for the newer performers as well as the established ones. We talked about...Do program listings still work for paid shows in an age of mobile phones / social media?The psychology of paid vs free fringe shows and how to sell both types of ticketing.What is th...
2017-04-211h 13Ask The Industry PodcastEP80 - Midlands Live Circuit Panel Special.The panel included - 1) Red Redmond - promoter at Deadcat Comedy2) Glen Gandy - promoter at Blue Giraffe Comedy3) Adam Rushton - A Rush Of Laughter Comedy Management / Comedy promoter.4) Alex Hylton & Dave McGuckin - Promoters at Jokes On Us at the Leicester Comedy Festival.We talked about...The midlands festival and club circuit Progression and how to get it.Why 5 minutes isn't enough in the midlands Stories from the green rooms.AND MORE! This podcast wou...
2017-04-191h 20Ask The Industry PodcastEP77 - Aditi Mittal - India’s first professional female comedian.Aditi Mittal (@awryaditi) an Indian stand-up comedian, actress and writer and one of the first women to do stand-up comedy in India, Aditi has been rated amongst India’s top 10 stand-up comedians by The Times of India.We talked about...The class issues in comedy and how society impacts what they can / can’t say.How the Indian circuit has evolved and what the British circuit can learn from it.What does she make of the Edinburgh Fringe?The challenge of performing comedy in more than one language.Is stand up a bo...
2017-04-071h 19Ask The Industry PodcastEP76 - Mark Tughan - Founder of the Glee Club - How to create a credible comedy club chain.Mark Tughan (@marktughan) opened the first Glee Comedy Club (@thegleeclub) over 20 years ago having just left his job as a city banker. He fell in love with comedy and put his money where his mouth is to become part of the industry. Today the Glee has 4 venues across the UK and continues to be (as he puts it) one of the elite "credible" comedy clubs outside of the London. We talked about...How and why he decided to quit his day job in finance and start the first purpose built comedy club o...
2017-03-171h 14Ask The Industry PodcastEP75 - Paul Weedon - Red 24 Management - Can comedians be TV presenters?Paul Weedon is the founder of Red 24 management (@Red24Management) who just celebrated their 7th year in the entertainment industry. Red 24 is the parent company to CatFace comedy talent and specializes in TV presenters. We talked about if comedians can be TV presenters, how to break into TV presenting, what's changed in TV in the last 10 years and where he see's it going and we discuss some myths like do you need to be "attractive" to be a TV presenter?We talked about...Why comedians are more gracious than industry in his...
2017-03-031h 11Ask The Industry PodcastEP74 - Toby Hadoke - What the Manchester comedy scene has that the London circuit doesn’t…Toby Hadoke is a Comedian, Actor and Writer who quite likes Doctor Who. He founded the long running Manchester based club XS Malarkey and books the Manchester Comedy Stores new material night as well as being a regular MC at the 99 Club. We talked about building an audience, podcasting and what the Manchester scene has that the London scene doesn't...We talked about...Why he started podcasting.What the Manchester comedy scene has that the London circuit does.How he made his career in comedy through his debut comedy show.His thoughts b...
2017-02-211h 14Ask The Industry PodcastEP73 - Chris Sussman - The future of comedy at BBC Studios from the Head of Comedy.Chris Sussman (@chris_sussman) is the Head of Comedy at BBC Studios. Chris is responsible for leading the BBC Studios Comedy team, across the UK - in TV, radio and online. He manages the existing slate of productions and take the lead in developing new hit shows and working with exciting, diverse comedy writers and performers. If anyone knows about offence, the state of comedy at the BBC and how to sell an idea to TV it's Chris.I got him on to talk about:What is BBC Studios?The nature of...
2017-02-0550 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP72 - Ben Venables - Editor at The Skinny - How to get your show noticed / reviewed.Ben Venables (@benvenables) is the comedy editor at the Skinny which covers the Glasgow and Edinburgh Festivals (as well as the Scottish scene the whole year round). Ben has been a journalist for a number of years and has carved out a great niche for himself as a knowledgeable and earnest lover of stand-up. I got him on to talk about the future of the Edinburgh Fringe, what it is like working at the Skinny and his best tips to get reviewed (with and without a PR).I got him on to talk about:
2017-01-2259 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP71 - JD Henshaw - Owner and founder of Sweet VenuesJohn-David (or JD as he prefers to be called) is the founder and artistic director at the Sweet Venues (@sweetvenues) that currently operate largely at the Edinburgh and Brighton Fringe. But in addition to that he runs a lot of other literary festivals as well as a horror festival. The Sweets recent move into taking on more comedy shows than ever marks an interesting development for them and the Fringe in general. I got him on to talk about why now, and what the future holds for Sweet Venues.I got him on to talk about...
2017-01-061h 24Ask The Industry PodcastEP70 – Barry Ferns and Sarah Pearce – Angel Comedy – How to build a community-led comedy club.Barry Ferns (@barryferns) started Angel Comedy (@angelcomedy) 6 years ago in 2010 as an open mic night to give himself more stagetime. Since then it has expanded and now runs comedy shows 7 nights a week. More recently the core team and their volunteer army have crowdfunded to lease their very own venue, just down the road from the original. They raised £46,643 from 1049 in 30 days. I got on Barry and former comedian, now Angel booker / show manager / venue manager / everything Sarah Pearce to talk about how they did it and what we can learn from them.This in...
2016-12-161h 10Ask The Industry PodcastEP69 - Michael Redmond - How he accidentally became a cult figure.Michael Redmond (@redmondmichael1) is an Irish stand-up comedian from Blackrock, Dublin best known for playing Father Stone in the Father Ted episode "Entertaining Father Stone". He has a deadpan style of delivery which has led to him becoming a dependable and experienced performer of quotable, but hard to replicate gags... having said that one of his jokes was famously stolen by Joe Pasquale and we get into how he felt about that and the subsequent joke written by Stewart Lee. Redmond began his career as a writer for Irish radio and television, before moving to London and launching a...
2016-12-031h 13Ask The Industry PodcastEP68 - Simon Abrahams - CEO of the Melbourne FringeSimon Abrahams (@simonjabrahams) is the Creative Director & CEO at the Melbourne Fringe. Having worked with performers his whole professional career he now runs a large comedy festival in Australia which is used for a lot of different types of performers to try out more experimental and work-in-progress shows.I got him on the podcast to talk about - How the Fringe helps people get to Australia and find them somewhere to stay (and help with the VISAs)The loss of print media in Australia and how that’s impacted promotion of sho...
2016-11-2259 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP67 - Armando Iannucci - I’m not a political satirist!Armando Iannucci (@aiannucci) is a Scottish satirist, writer, television director and radio producer. He's best known for The Armando Iannucci Shows, The Day Today, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Veep and I'm Alan Partridge. I got him on the podcast to talk about -How he got started in radio, what it was like moving radio shows to TV and other visual mediums with no experience in them How he picks the people he collaborates with. The draw backs of having a fanbase at his level Why he doesn't like being labeled as a satirist.How...
2016-11-041h 36Ask The Industry PodcastEP66 - Helen Zaltzman - The history and future of podcasting.Helen Zaltzman (@helenzaltzman) is a podcasting ninja having started her career in DIY radio in 2007. Her full time job is now creating online audio shows including Answer Me This! with her longtime collaborator Olly Mann as well as the Allusionist podcast. I got her on the podcast to talk about - How has podcasting changed since 2007?Why did she start and what would she advise to anyone starting now?What's the best thing that has come out of podcasting?How do you see it evolving in the future?Why do you think it's so po...
2016-10-281h 07Ask The Industry PodcastEP65 - Tony Law - Mental health and the life of a professional stand up comedian.Tony Law (@mrTonyLaw) is professional stand up comedian who recently got clean from drink and other demons. In this candid interview he talks about trying to get back in with promoters who were annoyed by his antics, attempting to build a touring audience for his shows and becoming mentally healthy for the first time in years. I got him on the podcast to talk about - How he went from getting one audience member to selling out his Fringe runs.How he got sober and then hated his material and had to st...
2016-10-1753 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP64 - Julia McKenzie - What are BBC Radio 4 looking for?Julia Mckenzie (@juliaamckenzie) is the Executive Editor of BBC Radio Comedy (part of BBC Studios). She makes comedy shows for Radio 4 and 2. Julia has produced many radio comedies, including The Jason Byrne Show, Ian D Montfort Is: Unbelievable and French & Saunders for Radio 2 and Party, Mark Steel's in Town, Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section and The Penny Dreadfuls Presents, for Radio 4.I got her on the podcast to talk about - How the BBC picks the ideas it commissions.Does BBC radio have the same quotas for gender / ethnicity that the TV...
2016-10-1043 minAsk The Industry PodcastEP63 – Ariane Sherine – How to move from TV writer to stand up comedianAriane Sherine (@ArianeSherine) is a British musical stand-up comedian, comedy writer and journalist. She created the Atheist Bus Campaign, which ran in 13 countries during January 2009. In her career in TV she's written for My Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Countdown, The Story of Tracy Beaker and more!I got her on the podcast to talk about - Getting hate mail for the athiest bus campaignDealing with a mental breakdown Fearing going to the final of a competition in case she got a bad review which might lead to loss...
2016-09-281h 28Ask The Industry PodcastEP62 - Post Edinburgh Fringe 2017 Analysis.The Edinburgh Fringe is a fickle place and comedians (as well as all other types of performers) use everything at their disposal to stack the deck in their favour. From PRs to giant posters I got a panel of comedy industry experts together to discuss what works, what doesn't and bust myths about the Fringe.The panel consisted of - Steve Bennett (@stevechortle) - Founder of Chortle.com (@chortle), the Chortle awards and head reviewer at Chortle.Bruce Dessau (@brucedes) - Founder of BeyondTheJoke.co.uk and head comedy reviewer at the Lon...
2016-09-141h 37Ask The Industry PodcastEP61 - Jonathan Pie - The power of political satire on social mediaTom Walker is better known as Jonathan Pie (@JonathanPieNews) a satirical news reporter character who is an idealist at heart but can't stand the way his job often pans out. In little over a year Tom has grown a dedicated and engaged social media audience of people who believe in Pie's words but also those who do not. I got him on the podcast to talk about - How he came up with the idea, how it has developed and if he thinks it would have worked 6 or 12 mont...
2016-09-061h 10Ask The Industry PodcastEP60 - Andrew Ellard - The art of sitcom writing from a script editors point of view.Andrew Ellard (@ellardent) is a script editor who has worked along side Doug Naylor and Graham Lineham on TV shows including the IT crowd, Miranda, Red Dwarf and more! I got him on the podcast to talk about - Being a script editorGetting the trust of a writer to work with them.What it takes to get a script writing credit.How on demand players are changing the face of TV.AND MORE!This podcast would be useful to anyone interested creating a sitcom, writing for...
2016-08-251h 33Ask The Industry PodcastEP59 - Ian Boldsworth : The Artist Formerly Known As Ray PeacockIan Boldsworth (@RayPeacock) is a comedian, podcaster and TV warm up act who has been a professional within the industry for over a decade. He's best known as "Ray Peacock". A name he is having to give up for one of the most bizarre reasons. In this very personal interview we talk about picking gigs, making a life and ensuring you're doing things for the right reasons. I got him on the podcast to talk about - Being a TV warm up actCutting back on the live circuit due to audiencesPicking which gigs...
2016-08-111h 28Ask The Industry PodcastEP58 - The ParaPod - Building a cult around a podcastThe ParaPod (@ParaPod) is an entertainment podcast about the ghosts, the paranormal and everything in between. The hosts are at extreme ends of their beliefs: Ray Peacock (@RayPeacock) doesn't believe in any ghosts. He's a comedian, a skeptic and "the voice of reason" in the show.Barry Dodds (@Barry_Dodds) believes in ghosts, the supernatural and the afterlife. He's a comedian, a believer and the most earnest person you're ever likely to meet. I got him on the podcast to talk about - How social media bullying can imp...
2016-07-271h 42Ask The Industry PodcastEP57 - Matt Price - The art of storytelling at stand up clubsMatt Price (@MattPriceComedy) is a working comedian who has been making his living from clubs for over a decade and has firmly established himself as a storytelling performer... however, he wants more but doesn't know where to go from here.I got him on the podcast to talk about - The difference between a storyteller and a stand upHis relationship with the label as a storytellerDoes being a storyteller mean you’re not funny / can’t write a joke?The clubs that don’t book storytellers and why.How ‘storytelling’ is received by audience...
2016-07-201h 11Ask The Industry PodcastEP56 - Robert Popper - How to “make it” in TVRobert (@robertpopper) is comedy producer, writer, actor, and author, best known as co-creator of the mock BBC documentary Look Around You, and creator of Channel 4's sitcom Friday Night Dinner. He also wrote the books The Timewaster Letters, Return of The Timewaster Letters and The Timewaster Diaries under the pseudonym Robin Cooper.I got him on the podcast to talk about - How he got his start in TV.How and what the different roles are in TV.How he got the job of Comedy Commissioner for Channel 4.The process of getting...
2016-07-081h 26Ask The Industry PodcastEP55 - Mick Perrin - The secrets behind the global touring circuit.Mick Perrin (@MickPerrin) got into comedy tour promotion over 20 years ago. His first tour was Eddie Izzard's arena tour (which in itself was the first of its kind). Now Mick Perrin Worldwide tours artists in 20+ countries. Recently he set up a management agency for comedians whose 2nd language is English. I got him on the pod to talk about - Does TV help or hinder a comedian?What is a character comedian and should they be allowed to say things?How much thought and effort goes into organizing a global arena tour.Why he kee...
2016-07-011h 43Ask The Industry PodcastEP54 – Karen Koren – Founder of the Gilded BalloonKaren Koren (@KarenKoren) founded the Gilded Balloon (@GildedBalloon) in 1986. Since then they have been one of the biggest producers and promoters of live entertainment events, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, and best known as one of the "Big Four" venue operators at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each August.I got her on the pod to talk about - The history and future of the Gilded Balloon Awards at the Edinburgh FringeHer move into Pay What You Want shows.The Scottish comedy scene outside of the Edinburgh Fringe AND MORE!This...
2016-06-211h 18Ask The Industry PodcastEP53 - Earl Okin - Why there are so few good musical comedians.Earl Okin (@EarlOkin) is a London singer-songwriter, musician and comedian. He's been performing music and musical comedy for over 40 years and knows the entire scene inside out. He also knows why things on the circuit and in Edinburgh have evolved the way they have. We talked about that and his biggest regrets along along with the biggest lessons he's learned. You can find Earl on his website or listen to him on his podcast.I got him on the pod to talk about - Starting on the folk circuit and what it was like...
2016-06-102h 06Ask The Industry PodcastEP52 - Henry Normal - Co-founder of Baby Cow ProductionsDescribed in the Telegraph as "the funniest man you've never heard of" Henry Normal is an award winning comedian, TV producer, poet and writer. He set up Baby Cow Productions with Steve Coogan and has toured with Pulp. He starred in Packet of Three, and co-write The Royal Family and the Parole Officer. He's done it all.I got him on the pod to talk about - Why he struggled to transfer his comedy to TV.How he picked his stage name and why.Why he founded Baby Cow and how they operate.How to get you...
2016-05-231h 39Ask The Industry PodcastEP51 - Sam Brady - How to organise your own successful tour with no management, PR or TV credits.Sam Brady (@SamBrady) is a comedian who had no management, no PR, no agent, no TV or radio credits... but what he did have was a show that he believed in that he wanted to tour. He took his show around the country to arts centres and theatres and has no started to do it again with his new tour. He's come on the pod to talk about how he did it, what he learned and what you should avoid doing...I got him on the pod to talk about - Why did he s...
2016-05-151h 18Ask The Industry PodcastEP50 - Graham Smith - former Commissioning Executive for Channel 4 and Channel FiveGraham (@mrgrahamksmith) has been an Executive Producer for the BBC and a Commissioning Executive for Channel 4 and Channel Five. He has also run his own successful independent production company.He's currently the co-founder and owner of Grand Scheme Media (@grand_scheme).I got him on the pod to talk about - How to develop a great TV pitch.The future of TV and how advertising is going to impact the future development of the mediumWhy comedy (generally) doesn’t make money on TV.The future of “second screen” experiences in TV.Why building a...
2016-05-021h 09Ask The Industry PodcastEP48 - David Mulholland - Big Cheese at the Soho Comedy ClubDavid Mulholland founded the Soho Comedy Club (@SohoComedyClub) 10 years ago. Since then it has grown to 4 shows over 3 nights a week and all of them are ticketed and paid work for performers.I got him on the podcast to talk about... Why he’s frustrated about being known as a promoter and not a comedian.Has it become harder to run a paid night?His thoughts on the “free comedy” nights in London.What nights he makes a profit, loss or breakeven on and why.His thoughts on Inky Jones and London Comedy Club.How to...
2016-04-161h 15Ask The Industry PodcastEP47 - Ally Wilson - Head of live and touring at CKP ProductionsAlly Wilson is the head of live at CKP (@ckpcomedy). CKP are a global touring agent who also organise extended London runs for performers at long established venues including the Soho Theatre.I got her on the podcast to talk about...What is the Guinea pig club?When you’re looking for shows are you looking by thinking “I need to find something that works in this venue” or are you just looking for good shows?Are competitions worth doing?What is the industry's opinion of them?Are competitions filtering out some acts who stru...
2016-04-021h 16Ask The Industry PodcastEP46 – Daniel Sloss – What is it like being a full time comedian as a teenager?Daniel Sloss (@Daniel_Sloss) is a comedian who is noteworthy because he became a professional live performer while still in his teens. He was the youngest comedian to perform a solo season in London's West End aged 19 and also signed a DVD deal with BBC WW’s 2Entertain label. He was also commissioned by the BBC for a broadcast sitcom pilot The Adventures of Daniel, and has appeared on US Television programmes including The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and ConanI got him on the podcast to talk about... What’s it like s...
2016-03-201h 24Ask The Industry PodcastEP45 - Adam BloomAdam Bloom has been performing stand up for 23 years. He's sold out Edinburgh Fringe runs, he's appeared on TV, he's written for other comedians and is a regular on the corporate circuit. He's done it all and in this podcast we attempt to get to the bottom of how you can do it all as well!I got him on the podcast to talk about... His thoughts on social media and how he uses itHow he sold out all of his Edinburgh Fringe runs.Why he’s not been back to Edinb...
2016-03-131h 39Ask The Industry PodcastEP44 - Joe Charman aka The Skills Guy - How to build your online fan baseJoe Charman found fame on Vine with his short jokes and "skills" videos which have led to him becoming an internet sensation. We talk about the highs and lows of going viral, dealing with haters, what it's like getting spotted in the street and how you can create your own fan base using the internet.I got him on the podcast to talk about... His thoughts on Vine and other platformsWhy he considers himself an “entertainer” and not a “comedian”What it was like being the tour support for Dapper Laughs while he was going throu...
2016-03-022h 25Ask The Industry PodcastEP43 - Anne Edyvean - Head of the BBC Writersroom - How To Get Your Writing Noticed By The BBCAnne Edyvean is the head of the BBC Writers Room. The Writers Room is the creative heart of the BBC set up to discover and develop writing talent for future shows.I got her on the podcast to talk about...What is the BBC writers room?What are they looking for in scriptsHow the internet has impacted people’s attention and the BBC.How to make a living as a writer and where you can get your “10,000 hours” and first credits. AND MORE! This podcast would be...
2016-02-181h 00Ask The Industry PodcastEP42 - Jeremy Lee (JLA) - How To Crack The Corporate Comedy CircuitJeremy Lee is one of the co-founders of the corporate booking agency JLA. JLA are the biggest corporate booking company in the country dealing with over 2,500 gigs per year booking comedians, writers, performers and even ex-prime ministers.I got him on the podcast to talk about... How to get started on the corporate gigging circuit?How much can you expect to get paid for a corporate gig?Why he tries not to book “famous” comedians over good comedians.How the recession helped the corporate comedy circuit.Tips for people wanting to perform well at a...
2016-02-131h 28Ask The Industry PodcastEP41 - The Boy With Tape On His FaceSam Wills is a New Zealand prop-comic residing in London. On stage he performs as The Boy with Tape on His Face. He's been performing since 2001 starting in New Zealand working his way towards the Edinburgh Fringe.I got him on the podcast to talk about... Should you be friends with your fans?The difference between British and New Zealand comedy scenes.Why he is a silent act Will you get to an age where you’re no longer “the boy” but “the man”?Why having “fame” as your end goal is badThe value of having a...
2016-02-021h 18Ask The Industry PodcastEP40 - Iain Coyle - Comedy Commissioner at Dave / UKTVIain Coyle is a British TV presenter, producer and comedian who has worked on TV shows like Big Brother's Big Mouth and Shooting Stars. He is the current comedy commissioner for UKTV and Dave TV.I got him on the podcast to talk about... How to get your idea on TV? (and his email address)What the Dave TV audience likes to watch (and why)Why getting something on TV is not always a good thing.The best / worst show he’s ever worked on.Vital info on TV channels tone of voice.How...
2016-01-271h 52Ask The Industry PodcastEP39 – Chris Young and Jake Alexander - Founders of the Hastings Fringe FestivalChris Young and Jake Alexander founded the Hastings Comedy Festival in 2015. 2016 is their first year in operation and although they're not the most established comedy festival I got them on to talk about how to set up a comedy festival as well as...What makes the Hastings Fringe unique?Which kind of acts are they're trying to attract?How to market your show if you don't live in Hastings?How to set up a comedy festival and what are the biggest mistakes / learning points they have to share.What advice would they have for acts l...
2016-01-171h 06Ask The Industry PodcastEP38 - Adam Larter - How to build a “cult following” from the founder of the Weirdos.Adam Larter (@lartymcparty) founded the Weirdos comedy club (@weirdoscomedy) in 2010. Not a traditional club, it's actually a revolving line up of comedians who act out shows, sketches and plays which he writers as well as a comedy night and a yearly panto. I got him on the podcast to talk about - What does “alternative comedy” mean to him? Has the term “alternative comedy” changed its meaning since the 1980s? Does alternative just mean something which isn’t mainstream and can an alternative comedian ever make it as a mainstream act? Why he does not do previ...
2016-01-021h 08Ask The Industry PodcastEP37 - Jessie Botterill - Literary agent at Janklow & Nesbit.Jessie joined Janklow & Nesbit in 2010, shortly after graduating from Leeds University with a degree in English Literature. As well as building up her list of fiction and non-fiction authors, she runs the company’s social media presence and sells foreign rights across a number of different territories. On the fiction side she’s looking for stand-out voices and original storytelling; novels that ask difficult questions, and explore the answers to those questions in a unique and imaginative way. I got her on the podcast to talk about -What is a literary agent?W...
2015-12-271h 06Ask The Industry PodcastEP36 - Sara Cywinski - How to get your comedy / humour book noticed, sold and published by eBury Random House.Sara Cywinski is Senior Commissioner of Comedy, Humour & Gift Books at eBury Random House (the worlds largest publisher). She's previously written books including Kate:Style Princess and been an "ideas generator" for books at John Blake Publishing. She's been at eBury for nearly 3 years and enjoys combining her love for social media with discovering the new big thing in writing. I got her on the podcast to talk about - How Random House scouts for authors using social mediaHow to get noticed by Random House Does Amazon have too much power in the book...
2015-12-141h 21Ask The Industry PodcastEP35 - Ben Walker - Behind the scenes of award-winning podcasts.Ben Walker (@_Ben_Walker) is the founder of Fuzz Productions who have created Sony Award-winning 'Do The Right Thing', the Loaded LAFTA-winning 'Pappy's Flatshare Slamdown' and the Chortle Award-winning 'Richard Herring: As It Occurs To Me'. We also make Richard Herring's other podcast 'Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast'. They also produce video content for YouTube and BBC online. I got him on the podcast to talk about - The advantages and disadvantages of creating a podcast vs creating a BBC Radio show.How Richard Herrings podcasts make money and what he gets from...
2015-11-231h 31Ask The Industry PodcastEP34 - Amée Smith - Associate Director at Prospero Arts PR - How to effectively promote a show, tour or Edinburgh run.Amee Smith is an associate director and PR expert at Prospero Arts. She has been in PR for over 6 years and has a wealth of experience in promoting and publicizing shows, tours and Edinburgh runs. I got them on the podcast to talk about - How do you make connections / relationships with journalists?How do they scout for new people / talent to represent?How to “PR” an Edinburgh Fringe show / solo tour.How are the “top 10” lists put together and how can a PR help get a show featured?When is the right time to send...
2015-10-231h 10Ask The Industry PodcastEP33 - Zena Barrie and Michelle Flower - Founders of the Camden Fringe.Zena Barrie and Michelle Flower founded the Camden Fringe (@CamdenFringe) in 2006 as an alternative to the Edinburgh Fringe. I got them on the podcast to talk about - Thoughts on why the Camden Fringe is a viable alternative to the Edinburgh Fringe.How to promote a Camden Fringe show Is the gentrification of Camden impacting on the Fringe’s developmentWhy do they not do any free shows?Can this model even work in London?What do they think of London publications going up to Edinburgh to review shows during AugustAND...
2015-10-151h 05Ask The Industry PodcastEP32 - Live Touring Q&A Panel (recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015)This is our first live Q&A panel on the subject of touring a show. The panel of guests included - Mick Perrin (@mickperrin) founded Mick Perrin worldwide over 20 years ago. Since then he's organised tours in the UK and across Europe for some of the biggest names in comedy.Amee Smith (@Prospero_PR) is an associate director and PR specialist at Prospero Arts. Prospero deal with some of the biggest names in comedy to help get their tour dates known by the right people, in the right publications and more!Anita Ho...
2015-10-021h 23Ask The Industry PodcastEP31 - Darrell Martin - Founder of Just The Tonic Comedy ClubsDarrell Martin (@adarrellmartin) is the owner and founder of the Just The Tonic comedy club chain which operates in the midlands of England and at several comedy festivals around the UK including the Edinburgh Fringe.I got him on the podcast to talk about - How he got started in comedyWhy he quit being a comedian to be a promoter His thoughts on the PBH / Freestival venue screw up at the Edinburgh Fringe Championing acts he likes.What it is like running a venue at the Edinburgh Fringe.How the Edinburgh Fringe has e...
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